and iowa's six electoral votes, a state that launched his first campaign and the key western state of nevada. but it was ohio that pushed the president over the 270 electoral votes needed to win. it was a commanding win for the president in the electoral college, but the popular vote was neck and neck. in his victory speech, mr. obama promised better days ahead. >> while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the united states of america, the best is yet to come. >> the president watched the returns in his hometown of chicago. bigad shaban is there. >> reporter: the president took the stage here in his hometown of chicago at about half past midnight and he told a crowd of cheering supporters we may have battled fiercely, but it's because we love this country deeply. the president's family joined him on stage to celebrate four more years in the white house. >> you voted for action. not politics as usual. you elected us to focus on your jobs, not ours. >> reporter: the president won a